BWIA settles disputes with unions

In a statement, BWIA said it has settled matters with the Aviation Communication and Allied Workers Union (ACAWU), the Superintendents Association and the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TALPA). ACAWU represents the majority of BWIA’s 1,800 workers. Many of the disputes between BWIA and these unions were before the Labour Ministry and the Industrial Court. Some matters had been outstanding for over five years. BWIA said all anomalies arising from VSEP supplement agreements negotiated between the company and the unions have been addressed. “BWIA has made arrangement to pay VSEP monies in accordance with these supplemental agreements,” the company said.

BWIA chairman Arthur Lok Jack thanked the company’s workers for their dedication and commitment to the airline over its 66 years in business. He also thanked BWIA’s customers, unions and the public for supporting BWIA. Lok Jack said he was cognisant of the fact that BWIA’s closure represents the end of an era “for those whose working lives have been spent in aviation and with BWIA.

“Whatever its ups and downs, its successes and failings, BWIA has generated loyalty, affection and pride. Hundreds of staff have known no other employer and a wide Caribbean public understands BWIA as an essential part of the Caribbean landscape,” Lok Jack stated.

He said while change is inevitable and sometimes difficult, people must learn to respect the past and focus on the future. To this end, Lok Jack said it was imperative that efforts be made to ensure that Caribbean Airlines becomes a success.